Police chase begins with apparent threat to burn down family home

VERNON - Police took a man away in handcuffs yesterday after he poured gasoline on a portion of his home and allegedly threatened to set fire to it.

The threat to burn down the house located on Dunwaters Road was apparently made shortly before police received the call about a domestic assault. After making the threat, the man took off in the family car. Police attempted to chase the man down but called off the pursuit for safety reasons.

A spike belt was set up in the area of Hwy 97 and Old Kamloops Road which successfully flattened several tires though only slowed the man's progress. He continued travelling toward the Vernon city limits with officers in pursuit, though once again they were forced to abandon the chase in the interest of public safety. Apparently, the suspect car made contact with a police vehicle at 32 Street and sped off again.

Not long after, the suspect was seen near Polson Park, south of the hospital. Police chased the man on foot for a short distance and he was caught. The man, 56, was arrested, but claimed he had taken a large quantity of valium so was sent to hospital to be assessed prior to being thrown in a cell to cool his heels before meeting the judge.

The man will appear in court today, answering to charges of assault, uttering threats, failure to stop for police, dangerous driving, assaulting a police officer and attempted arson.

OPINION Editor, This is a busy time of year, but I find it’s also a time of reflection, particularly as January marks the end of my two-year term as Chair and my 10 years serving on the Board of Interior